Category: United Kingdom

Alcohol Withdrawal

The Cause And Timeline Of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Testimonials, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may well be unwanted but not as unwanted as the problems that alcoholism and a life of dependence upon drink offers.

Anyone who feels they cannot get through the day without a drink, or those who begin a session and do not know when to stop need to face up to the fact that professional rehabilitation treatment is needed. It is the only way to come to terms with a problem that will gradually deepen and could very well lead to an unwanted early grave.

The cause of alcohol withdrawal:

When alcohol is consumed it enters the liver and is broken down by an enzyme. This is the process that keeps you healthy by getting rid of alcohol from your system through urine. Any of the alcohol which is not metabolised gets absorbed by other parts of your body such as the brain.

The feelings of happiness and relaxation alcohol create are due to its impact on the brain. This is all well and good if alcohol is consumed in moderation, but excessive amounts of alcohol around the brain are what causes symptoms of drunkenness. Those who are regularly get drunk or drink chronically find that they build a tolerance to alcohol. This means the more you have, the more you need to produce the required feelings.

Suddenly ceasing alcohol means that the brain neurotransmitters which have been suppressed during constant drinking are no longer inhibited by alcohol. The resultant reaction is known as hyperexcitability and is the reason withdrawal symptoms are felt.

Withdrawal symptoms are manageable:

It is important to understand that withdrawal from alcohol gives side effects that vary from person to person. The thoughts of painful withdrawal symptoms make many hesitant to stop drinking, but if this is the case then speak with a specialist on alcohol addiction treatment as they can provide prescription medications that will help relieve any pain.

While withdrawal symptoms can occur as quickly as 2 hours from last drink they usually begin 6+ hours after that last drink and they will peak between 24-48 hours. This is the period when the most uncomfortable symptoms will be felt. They include:

  • Hot and cold flushes
  • Profuse sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Tremors
  • Feverish feelings

Timeline for common alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

A typical withdrawal process will complete itself as follows. All timings are from the last alcoholic drink taken.

6-12 Hours:

  • Increasing agitation
  • Increasing anxiety
  • Varying degrees of headache
  • Body shaking
  • Nauseous feelings and physical vomiting

12-24 Hours:

  • Feelings of disorientation
  • Noticeable hand tremors
  • Seizures in different parts of the body

48 Hours:

  • Seizures continue
  • Insomnia or troubled, short spells of sleep
  • Rising blood pressure
  • Hallucinations that can be a mixture of tactile, auditory or visual experiences
  • A high fever and profuse sweating

From this point withdrawal symptoms will gradually reduce.

Alcohol Withdrawal must be followed by treatment:

It is not enough to think that simply withdrawing from alcohol will solve your drinking problems. To achieve long-term sobriety, it is a must that after withdrawal a person opts for either outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation treatment.

Overcoming alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the withdrawal process should be seen as the first step to healing. Couple this with qualified treatment and you have the ideal springboard to a life of continued sobriety.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Crack cocaine

Crack – A Cracking High But A Wicked Addiction

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Crack cocaine gives a high that many users want to experience again and again. The problem is that this drug is also wickedly addicting and regular use will have a person dependent in a relatively short time.

What is Crack Cocaine?

Crack is the crystallized form of cocaine and is the purest form of the drug available. This purity means strength, and the lure of crack keeps users coming back time and again. Its name is derived from the fact that when heated for smoking it makes a popping or cracking sound.

What’s the high?

The most effective way of taking crack cocaine is to smoke it. This gives the biggest rush because the vapours reach the brain almost immediately. The highly stimulating effects received are due to the drug energizing the entire central nervous system and releasing hormones in the brain that are associated with pleasure and reward. The end result is that the user feels immensely euphoric, fully alert, self-confident and has energy to burn.

Nice but short-lived:

While the ‘high’ is one that many crave for it does not hang around long. Most seasoned users find that it peaks between 15-30 minutes and then slowly starts to diminish.

The obvious answer is to get back on the pipe. While this will give you a high it will not be as intense as the first hit and subsequent hits will be slightly less each time, but because it is so ‘moreish’ users find that they cannot resist going back for more.

Where is the problem?

Because of its intense, but relatively brief high users want more of the same on a regular basis. The way to achieve this is to purchase another bag and put just that little bit more in. If this cycle continues a person will very quickly find they cannot do without the drug.

It is common for crack users to go on benders that last 3 days and beyond with a shortage of money for more or pure exhaustion being two major reasons for ending a crack binge.

Very quick to addict:

While all illegal drugs are addictive, crack wastes no time in drawing a user into regular and increasing use. Cravings for the drug are immensely intense and the desire for more becomes that little bit stronger after each use. Once crack has you it will not let go easily.

Seek help sooner rather than later:

Those who are into regular crack cocaine use should not fool themselves that they can quit whenever they like. The unwanted withdrawal symptoms a person receives when trying to stop are usually more than enough to convince them that another hit is required, and quickly!

If you have tried to stop and failed please don’t just leave it at that and continue use. Doing so will lead to deeper addiction and the very unwanted physical and psychological problems that this brings with it.

What needs to be done is to seek professional rehabilitation assistance and the sooner this is accepted the better.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Crack Cocaine Rehabilitation Assessment.

Addiction Treatment

Positive Options For Addiction Treatment

Alternative Treatment, Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Addiction treatment is given in a variety of different ways. It is clearly recognized just how different each individual is and the approach that may work for some is not so successful for others.

What an addict must realise is that it is possible to treat ALL types of addiction successfully. Contrary to the ‘street doctors’ and anything you may have heard there is not an addiction that is untreatable.

This in itself should tell anyone currently struggling with an overwhelming need for their substance of choice that help is available, and that by responding to treatment which is right for them they have every chance of leaving their dependence where it belongs; in the past.

Positive treatment approaches:

Here are some of the treatment methods that have proved to be so successful in treating addiction:

  • Detoxification program: Detoxification is required to focus on the physical side of addiction and to cleanse the addicts body of all addictive substances. Some addicts will go through withdrawal alone, but there are many detoxification programs which offer professional assistance and are the ideal way for an addict to fully prepare themselves for healing. It must be noted that detoxification alone will not resolve addiction. It must be followed by rehabilitation treatment.
  • Inpatient rehab: This is classed as an intensive form of treatment through a residential program where the addict will stay at a rehabilitation establishment for an extended period. A stay generally lasts 1 month but that is certainly not set in stone and can be tailored to meet the addicts needs. It is a fully focused method of treatment where the addict is taken out of their current home environment into one that is comfortable and conducive to healing, but also has rules and a set routine that must be followed.
  • Counselling sessions: Counselling is an integral part of inpatient rehab. It can also be used to help a person overcome their addiction as a standalone treatment method. Intensive one-to-one counselling sessions will help a person work through the issues that led to addiction. Group counselling sessions help in terms of understanding the challenges other recovering addicts face and a realization that you are not alone.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment: Before any addiction treatment begins it is imperative that an addict is fully assessed in order to establish whether they are also suffering from other mental health disorders. If this is the case then treatment for addiction and the associated disorder(s) must be given in tandem. Treating one disorder and not the other will make it extremely difficult for an addict to beat their addiction.
  • Long-term residential care: Some addicts, particularly those who have been addicted for long periods need a longer form of treatment to attain long-term recovery. This can be achieved through residential treatment where long-term healing will be achieved.
  • Aftercare programs: Once initial healing has been completed it is vital that an addict continues treatment through one of the many aftercare programs available. Joining a local voluntary group is another positive way of helping a recovering addict progress to long-term sobriety.

The most effective addiction treatment:

The above methods of addiction treatment are by no means exhaustive, but give an indication of ways in which sobriety can be achieved. The most effective addiction treatments will combine:

  • Medication assistance (where necessary).
  • Psycho-social counselling.
  • Addiction education including relapse prevention strategies.
  • Treatment of any co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
  • Personal and group therapy.
  • Aftercare arrangements.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Treatment Assessment.

Thailand Rehab

Why Thailand Rehab Is Right For You – Part 1

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Why Thailand Rehab Is Right For You.

This is the first in a two-part article outlining some of the major reasons that those with addiction issues should strongly consider inpatient rehabilitation treatment in the stunning Kingdom of Thailand.

When an addict finally admits that their chosen substance(s) have totally got the better of them their thoughts turn to rehab treatment and more specifically inpatient rehab treatment.

It is only natural that treatment in your home country should be the first place to consider. Although, more people than ever before are realising that the overseas option of Thailand Rehab is a route to healing that has many benefits.

Here are the first 4 to consider:

Excellent reputation – Extremely well-established:

The reputation of rehab establishments in Thailand is extremely high. The facilities, treatment methods and success rates rank them in the top echelons of addiction treatment. They are admired by other professionals in the field of addiction and praised by clients who have received positive, successful treatment during their spell as an inpatient.

This reputation is certainly not an overnight wonder. The first, and still considered by many to be the premier rehabilitation establishment was opened over two decades ago. Since inception this facility has gone from strength to strength. This position could not have been achieved and maintained without passionate founders whose ethos is effective, caring and affordable rehabilitation treatment for all.

A completely different environment:

It is true that any inpatient rehab establishment will take an addict away from the current sterile environment that in all probability helped fuel their current addiction. Opting for a stay at one of Thailand’s luxury rehab resorts will take you to another level.

The Kingdom offers a huge diversity in terms of settings. There are rehab establishments situated in scenic mountainous locations, others nestled in peaceful hill and countryside areas and an Island location that is truly idyllic.

The importance of a different, refreshing environment cannot be understated. If a person feels relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings this will add momentum to their purpose. They will also be more responsive to treatment.

Facilities that justify overseas treatment:

The inpatient rehab facilities in Thailand match or better those in your home country. They are often referred to as luxury rehab resorts although many do not have luxury price tags to go with that title. The reason for this term is clear when you consider comfortable and private accommodation. Healthy meals prepared using locally grown produce from a country that is quite rightly renowned for its food. Fitness facilities to encourage that daily workout with swimming pools as standard and beautifully tended,  natural outside tropical garden areas in glorious settings. This environment is ideal for reflection and relaxation.

Fully qualified staff:

Staff employed in Thailand Rehab establishments include fully trained addiction counsellors. Also, medical staff who will have experience of working in western rehabilitation centres. All counsellors are fully qualified with exactly the same internationally approved certification as counsellors in your own country.

Further compelling reasons:

We have only just skimmed the surface of why Thailand Rehab establishments are truly worthy of further investigation. In the second and final article of two we will give details of the comprehensive treatment methods on offer.

 We will also reveal two very compelling reasons why Thailand should be your preferred destination for quality rehabilitation treatment.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehab Assessment.

addiction and the brain

Addiction And The Brain

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Addiction And The Brain.

The human body is a highly complex “machine” and the brain is undoubtedly the powerhouse behind a person’s actions, reactions and behaviour.

Whether a person is addicted to a substance or a behaviour their actions and overpowering need changes the way the brain works.

Drugs and the Brain:

Addiction And The Brain. The brain is made up of many different parts. Under normal circumstances these all work together as a team. When a person is addicted this affects different parts of the brain and many of its basic functions. This is why common traits of risk taking, poor decision making and behaviour that is far from expected are all experienced by an addict. No matter what is causing their addiction.

Addictive behaviours – Not only drug related:

As can be seen from the above, addiction is not only related to drugs or alcohol. There is far more to addictive behaviour. While substance abuse is by far the most prevalent reason for addiction there are many other things that can cause it. These include such things as gambling, sex, the internet and even shopping.

Signs of addictive behaviours:

Here are 6 behavioural signs of an addict. As will be seen, each one could relate to any type of addiction. If you feel that one or more of these behaviours describes your current situation it is important to seek professional rehabilitation assistance as soon as possible. The longer your addiction continues the more entrenched it will become.

  • It is not that serious: Convincing yourself that your problem is not as serious as it really is. This sign also plays a big part in denial which is a major defence mechanism used by those dependent upon something.
  • Unable to stop: You have tried on various occasions to stop or cut-back but these efforts are very short lived.
  • Constantly on your mind: As dependence deepens you find more and more of your time is spent thinking about it, planning around it or engaging in it.
  • Classed as the ‘norm’: Convincing yourself that the only way to feel normal and cope with emotions is to be doing something related to your dependence.
  • Continuing despite negative consequences: Even though you realise the negative physical and mental consequences your actions are creating and you are fully aware of the worrying effects it is having on those closest to you. The urge to continue is far stronger and your compulsive behaviour continues.
  • Neglecting duties: Studying, work and family commitments all take a back-seat. This is due to your growing obsession and the need to partake in it on a constantly increasing basis.

Nothing should prevent you seeking help:

Whatever you are addicted to must not be kept hidden. Do not try to hide your problems due to perceived shame, embarrassment or failure. The longer you maintain denial to yourself and others the deeper your addiction will become.

Addiction And The Brain – Rehabilitation professionals are not there to judge. They are there to help. Whatever you have a dependence upon they will be able to assist and advise the most appropriate treatment available.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.